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Burmese Days: Along The Irrawaddy River With Bangkok – Northbound 2019

Take a fascinating river cruise along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River and explore Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok. Along the way meet interesting locals and experience the beauty, culture, and ancient history of their homelands. Begin this Southeast Asia journey in Bangkok, the enchanting capital of Thailand, where you’ll get up close to its most renowned temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest of its kind. In Yangon, formerly Rangoon, you’ll see the magnificent, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda—considered the oldest pagoda in the world. Then, fly to Bagan and embark on your river cruise, beginning with Bagan’s exquisite temples and shrines at sunrise and snset. Immerse yourself in the local culture and artistry of handcrafted textiles, paintings, and carvings.

You’ll also visit Sagaing and Shwe Pyi Thar to see revered religious sites with stunning views across the Irrawaddy, and learn about farming traditions passed down through generations. In Mandalay, you’ll come to know and love this gracious culture of art and spiritualism. See the tapestries, woodcarving, and gold-leaf artistry of Buddhist pagodas, and enjoy captivating song and dance performances. Continue on to Amarapura with its famed U Bein Bridge—made of teak wood and a must-see sunset vantage point. Venture further on along your Irrawaddy River cruise to visit villages with revered traditions and remarkable craftsmanship, and spectacular spiritual monuments unlike any other in the world. From Shwe Pyi Thar’s rural life, to the countless pagodas of Sagaing, this Southeast Asia river cruise highlights the history, warmth, and stunning beauty of the creations that remain amid the warm traditions of Myanmar.

Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.(B)#

Day 3

BANGKOK

This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)#

Day 4

BANGKOK

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)#

Day 5

BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR

This morning, fly to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)#

Day 6

YANGON

Historic Landmarks, Hot Tea, and Harmonious LivingCLASSIC A Guided Walk introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including old colonial buildings and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Along the way, stop for a cup of tea or coffee with the locals. Next, stop at Chaukhtatgyi to see the massive Reclining Buddha measuring 213 feet. Later in the day, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a national symbol. Here, an enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa, and locals come to pay their respects. #Tonight, dine in one of Yangon’s best restaurants for a delicious welcome dinner. (B,L,D)#

Day 7

YANGON–BAGAN (EMBARKATION)

Beautiful Bagan and Your Suite Ship® Beckon Late in the morning, fly to Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer to the port for embarkation. A welcome reception starts your evening. DISCOVERY After dinner, a traditional Puppet Show will be presented in one of the lounges.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BAGAN#(B,D)#

Day 8

BAGAN

Temples and Shrines—From Sunrise to SunsetToday, explore Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. During this time over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city—an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today, making this one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. DISCOVERY Early risers can make an Escorted Visit to one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness a glorious sunrise. #CLASSIC Start your Morning Excursion at a local market selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis. Then, stop at Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the country’s most important shrines. Lastly, visit a lacquer workshop to learn more about this ancient craft. #CLASSIC After lunch, your Afternoon Sightseeing centers on the Bagan archaeological zone. Highlights include Ananda, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and Dhammayangyi, the best preserved monument left standing. Also, stop to see the exquisite and well-preserved fresco paintings at Sulamani. #DISCOVERY End the day with a traditional Ox-Cart Ride to a temple, where you can ascend to the top as the sun sets.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BAGAN#(B,L,D)#

Day 9

SHWE PYI THAR

Rural Life in Myanmar Comes to Life DISCOVERY This morning, partake in a Walking Tour through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here, visit a farmer’s home to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy—a sweet and smoky confection—from the sap of the toddy palm. #DISCOVERY Enjoy time onboard your ship this afternoon. Join your Local Guide for a presentation on the Burmese language.#AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISING#(B,L,D)#

Day 10

SAGAING–EXCURSION TO AMARAPURA

Relaxation and RevelationsRelax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship’s lounges or from your suite. CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion this afternoon to visit the important religious site of Sagaing with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Stop to see Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its unique golden egg-shaped dome and a silversmith workshop. Lastly, explore Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda for stunning views across the Irrawaddy to Mandalay. Then, travel to nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Your visit focuses on the famous U Bein Bridge, a 3/4-mile-long bridge built in 1783. Take a sampan ride on the lake for unforgettable views of the sunset behind the iconic bridge. #OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN SAGAING#(B,L,D)#

Day 11

MANDALAY

The Golden Tapestries of MandalayCLASSIC In the morning, visit Local Workshops to see skilled artisans at work making tapestries, woodcarvings, and gold-leaf. Also visit Mahamuni Pagoda to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha—reported to be covered in six inches of gold leaf from continuous application. #CLASSIC This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery, the only WWII bombing remnants of former King Mindon’s “Golden City” and extravagant teak palace. #DISCOVERY This evening, enjoy a traditional Dance Performance featuring local song and dance.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)#

Day 12

MINGUN

A Robust Bell and Prominent PagodaCLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the village of Mingun to see its bronze bell—considered the largest working bell in the world—and see the famed unfinished pagoda.#Join your Local Guide for a longyi and thanaka presentation this afternoon.AFTERNOON CRUISE TO KYAUK MYAUNG#(B,L,D)#

Day 13

KYAUK MYAUNG

Glazed and AmazedDISCOVERY This morning, join a Guided Walk through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung to learn more about and see the pottery-making process. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars. These pots could transport large quantities of goods and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries.#SIN KYUN#Striking Straw CreationsDISCOVERY Later in the day enjoy a Guided Excursion to hat-making village of Sin Kyun. Here, farmers supplement their income by weaving intricate straw hats.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)#

Day 14

MANDALAY (DISEMBARKATION)–YANGON

Farewell to the IrrawaddyTransfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.(B)#

Day 15

YANGON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)#

Day

Activity / Description

Day 1

Depart US

Depart the US on your overnight flights.

Day 2

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.(B)#

Day 3

BANGKOK

This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)#

Day 4

BANGKOK

Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)#

Day 5

BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR

This morning, fly to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)#

Day 6

YANGON

Historic Landmarks, Hot Tea, and Harmonious LivingCLASSIC A Guided Walk introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including old colonial buildings and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Along the way, stop for a cup of tea or coffee with the locals. Next, stop at Chaukhtatgyi to see the massive Reclining Buddha measuring 213 feet. Later in the day, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a national symbol. Here, an enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa, and locals come to pay their respects. #Tonight, dine in one of Yangon’s best restaurants for a delicious welcome dinner. (B,L,D)#

Day 7

YANGON–BAGAN (EMBARKATION)

Beautiful Bagan and Your Suite Ship® Beckon Late in the morning, fly to Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer to the port for embarkation. A welcome reception starts your evening. DISCOVERY After dinner, a traditional Puppet Show will be presented in one of the lounges.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BAGAN#(B,D)#

Day 8

BAGAN

Temples and Shrines—From Sunrise to SunsetToday, explore Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. During this time over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city—an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today, making this one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. DISCOVERY Early risers can make an Escorted Visit to one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness a glorious sunrise. #CLASSIC Start your Morning Excursion at a local market selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis. Then, stop at Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the country’s most important shrines. Lastly, visit a lacquer workshop to learn more about this ancient craft. #CLASSIC After lunch, your Afternoon Sightseeing centers on the Bagan archaeological zone. Highlights include Ananda, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and Dhammayangyi, the best preserved monument left standing. Also, stop to see the exquisite and well-preserved fresco paintings at Sulamani. #DISCOVERY End the day with a traditional Ox-Cart Ride to a temple, where you can ascend to the top as the sun sets.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BAGAN#(B,L,D)#

Day 9

SHWE PYI THAR

Rural Life in Myanmar Comes to Life DISCOVERY This morning, partake in a Walking Tour through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here, visit a farmer’s home to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy—a sweet and smoky confection—from the sap of the toddy palm. #DISCOVERY Enjoy time onboard your ship this afternoon. Join your Local Guide for a presentation on the Burmese language.#AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISING#(B,L,D)#

Day 10

SAGAING–EXCURSION TO AMARAPURA

Relaxation and RevelationsRelax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship’s lounges or from your suite. CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion this afternoon to visit the important religious site of Sagaing with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Stop to see Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its unique golden egg-shaped dome and a silversmith workshop. Lastly, explore Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda for stunning views across the Irrawaddy to Mandalay. Then, travel to nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Your visit focuses on the famous U Bein Bridge, a 3/4-mile-long bridge built in 1783. Take a sampan ride on the lake for unforgettable views of the sunset behind the iconic bridge. #OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN SAGAING#(B,L,D)#

Day 11

MANDALAY

The Golden Tapestries of MandalayCLASSIC In the morning, visit Local Workshops to see skilled artisans at work making tapestries, woodcarvings, and gold-leaf. Also visit Mahamuni Pagoda to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha—reported to be covered in six inches of gold leaf from continuous application. #CLASSIC This afternoon, take a Guided Tour of Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery, the only WWII bombing remnants of former King Mindon’s “Golden City” and extravagant teak palace. #DISCOVERY This evening, enjoy a traditional Dance Performance featuring local song and dance.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)#

Day 12

MINGUN

A Robust Bell and Prominent PagodaCLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the village of Mingun to see its bronze bell—considered the largest working bell in the world—and see the famed unfinished pagoda.#Join your Local Guide for a longyi and thanaka presentation this afternoon.AFTERNOON CRUISE TO KYAUK MYAUNG#(B,L,D)#

Day 13

KYAUK MYAUNG

Glazed and AmazedDISCOVERY This morning, join a Guided Walk through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung to learn more about and see the pottery-making process. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars. These pots could transport large quantities of goods and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries.#SIN KYUN#Striking Straw CreationsDISCOVERY Later in the day enjoy a Guided Excursion to hat-making village of Sin Kyun. Here, farmers supplement their income by weaving intricate straw hats.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)#

Day 14

MANDALAY (DISEMBARKATION)–YANGON

Farewell to the IrrawaddyTransfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.(B)#

Day 15

YANGON

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)#

One of our remarkable Suite Ships®, the all-suite Avalon Myanmar offers an unrivaled small-ship river cruise experience ensuring you engage the locals, experience their culture, and revel in the unique sights along the majestic Irrawaddy. The pioneering design allows Avalon to cruise the spectacular, and untouched Upper Irrawaddy on each departure, a feat not possible on any other ship. <br><br>The ship has been meticulously crafted to offer all the modern features you expect, yet it reflects the character, symbols, and traditions of Myanmar. While the maximum number of guests on the ship may be small, the ship isn't. Built as long and wide as other ships that carry twice as many guests, the public spaces never feel congested. From the open-air observation lounge to the air-conditioned Panorama Lounge, there is plenty of seating and places to relax. Plus, our lounges are located at the front of the ship, not the back, so no matter where you sit, you'll always have a great view.<br><br>Our crew embodies the spirt of you first, no matter what. From the reception staff and bartender to wait staff and room attendant, we always deliver exquisite service that's comfortable and friendly, never stuffy! With Avalon, our ship becomes your home away from home.